Elmundo Blogs 1-3
#3 Q&A
"I like to change the racket every time there is new balls'
1. Hello 'The Boss', my question is not about Roland Garros. Have you thought now or in the future to participate in the Hopman Cup and World Cup titles to complete the three Spanish tennis selection? Does Valencia Open 500 does not fit into your plans is one of the most important tournaments of Spain on indoor courts? Thanks and greeting.
The problem is that the ATP calendar is very tight and with the mandatory tournaments is very difficult to play elsewhere. There are many weeks. I love playing for my country and I love playing in my country. It hurt a lot to not play in Barcelona, imagine a tournament in Spain in my home, my club. It is not easy, believe me.
2. Greetings from Costa Rica. What do you do in a match when there are interruptions because of rain? How do you prepare, as it is not known how long the interruptions will be? Thank you very much, you're my favorite player in history with Sampras. (Franco Jiménez)
Unfortunately you can not do anything. Just wait. Today I waited all day to play and even after I knew I was not playing, for training . That's tennis.
3. Hello Rafa. After Wimbledon are you going to modify your calendar or change something in your preparation with a view toward the US Open, the only slam you haven't won? I guess that would make you especially motivated about winning the tournament, although you don't lose sleep over numbers. Thank you very much and good luck. (Xabier Rezola)
No, not in principle. For me, every tournament is important and the way I planned it seems more correct. Then we shall see, depending on the results.
4. Thanks forgiving us unforgettable moments. I wonder if what you wear on your wrist is a watch or a heart rate monitor,( :lol: ) and why use it now after so long. (Joaquin Hidalgo)
Thank you very much. It's a Richard Mille watch has been manufactured so I can play with him. A challenge for him and almost for me, because I thought it could not play with a watch, which is a case with many people in the clubs
5. Hi Rafa, Do you usually stay these days to see live matches with players at Roland Garros? If so, how do you select who you are going to see? Good luck champ. (Santiago Izquierdo)
Live on the court is hard, but I watch them in the locker room and restaurant as well as in the hotel.
6. When you beat Federer in Wimbledon he said that there was little light and could not see, in Australia that that you are a left-handed and you have an advantage, now after Madrid that is that to play in clay is simpler and one doesn't need more than good legs and a good forehand... You don't see a little plug-ugly that the great Roger has each time that loses to you? (Rafa Sañudo)
I think this is more an issue of the press. Roger is always correct with me and we have a good relationship, so we have much respect for each other.
7. Thanks Rafael, not only are you the greatness in tennis, also in your greatness off the court where you represent Spain in exemplary fashion. My question is why change your racquet just eight games. (Joseph Tague)
I change each time there are new balls are just before or just after depends. It is better to play with the tension with new ball.
8. Hola Rafa. The tennis public is becoming more disrespectful each year, and in that country. What do the players think? Is it possible to make a joint statement by the players asking for more respect? One thing is to encourage your favorite player and one booing the opponent. (Mario Hernandez)
I do not know about that. I think the public varies depending on the tournament and the country. No problem.
9. Hi Rafa, I am convinced that this year you will win Roland Garros. My question is not about tennis, but a global phenomenon that is 'Lost' series that hooked you too. Have you seen the final? Did you like or, like many, I was disappointed not to resolve several unknowns? Congratulations on the great season. Good luck, champ. M. Paqui Sanchez (Melilla)
No, I have not seen the end or neither I know how it finished. Now I'll see it on DVD as I followed the series over the years. :-)
10. I am concerned (after RG) that you haven't stepped on grass for 2 years. Do you think it will cost you reach the level of 2008? (Vicente Peris)
I do not know if I'll reach that level but it is clear I'm delighted to be back
I figured id post 1 & 2 also in their entirety..
Q&A - #1
'I have not looked at the draw'
1. Hello Rafa, cheers for your new year at Roland Garros... The luck has not favored you a lot in the drawing with all the Spaniards in your side and also Djokovic... How do you evaluate yours and Federer's road? Marcos González (Ciudad Real)
Hello, greetings. Actually, I always say it and believe me it's true, I have not looked at the draw. I see who's my next opponent and that's it. My concern is to try to play well against the rival I'm playing.
2. Spirit Rafa and to a new title in Paris. Sure that you'll have luck. The reaction that Verdasco had has been seen in all the places and although he already apologized for it. Don't you think that one cannot have those reactions? Although surely many times there us a desire to shout and many more things... Julián Garcia (Basin)
Thank you very much. I hope so. It is difficult for me to think or say something about it. I have not talked with Fernando and do not really know what happened. When I talk to him I will tell you.
3. Congratulations Rafa for the clay season. Do you think there may be a 'new Soderling' this year? Who you see as a possible surprise? Carlos Perez (Leganés)
Thank you very much. I hope to continue. I do not know who could give a surprise. It is clear that tennis is very competitive and players are always out for surprises. Yes, many of these surprises are not so good for people in tennis.
4. Federer is number one ... Do you think that he is the favorite to win again at Roland Garros? Or the surface like clay is more for a specialist like you, Verdasco ...? Miriam Latorre (Alicante)
It iss clear that Roger is not the favorite one, it's between the two or three favorite. One only have to look at his record and see he has played.
5. Hi Rafa, good luck for this year to come back and win it. They say you've changed the strings of your racket ... how does it helped you? Is it that different? I think Almagro has also done the same and also achieved a great results. Thank you. Jorge Muñoz (Fuenlabrada)
Yes, I changed them earlier this year. It's more fine and helps me to give more depth to the ball on the court. I feel very comfortable with this new strings. Believe me that I feel good.
6. Good luck for Paris. Do you see possible of the number one for the end of the year? From now on one that has the most to lose is Federer, defending points. Hugo De la Peña (Guadarrama)
Thank you very much. For me the important thing is to play well in every tournament and give everything. I'm not fixated on numbers. Of course it is important and could be obtained again, but not my main concern or goal.
7. Hi Rafa, I guess you feel at home in Paris. This is already the sixth year and I hope there will be many more. Are you still visiting the same sites as the first year? I guess you always have customs when going to Roland Garros. which are? Good luck. Carlos Fernández (Avilés)
Yes, the truth is yes. I'm in the same hotel and almost had dinner at the same sites. I also continue with my 'Play' and my games after dinner (and before writing this blog ...). Believe me we do not have much time for more. Before I started the tournament itself, yes.
8. Good luck Rafa. I know that you like football a lot, how do you see the World cup? Do you think that we are have the best opportunity to win? Or will we pass it like always? Joaquín Reign (Luanco)
I really like football. I will continue to secure the World Cup. I'll try to watch almost every game. I think Spain have options. In fact today I did an interview about this and commented that we have a great team, with options. Then we'll see and you never know, but certainly we're there.
9. Gulbis's defeat in the first round was rather surprising to me ... More than anything in the way hr came or seemed to have. Was is the pressure of a Grand Slam, the mentality? What do you think? Carolina López
Yes, in first round was a surprise. He said he was somewhat bothered by an injury. I met him at a restaurant Wednesday night and he told me. I do not think it was pressure, rather a matter physical, an injury. I hope he recovers soon
10. Hola Rafa, what do you think about the change of the venue for Roland Garros? Do you think the court is outdated? Thanks and good luck for your fifth title. Juan Carlos Rodríguez
Prefer not to comment on this issue, but believe me I have my opinion. Thank you.
1. Hello Rafa, cheers for your new year at Roland Garros... The luck has not favored you a lot in the drawing with all the Spaniards in your side and also Djokovic... How do you evaluate yours and Federer's road? Marcos González (Ciudad Real)
Hello, greetings. Actually, I always say it and believe me it's true, I have not looked at the draw. I see who's my next opponent and that's it. My concern is to try to play well against the rival I'm playing.
2. Spirit Rafa and to a new title in Paris. Sure that you'll have luck. The reaction that Verdasco had has been seen in all the places and although he already apologized for it. Don't you think that one cannot have those reactions? Although surely many times there us a desire to shout and many more things... Julián Garcia (Basin)
Thank you very much. I hope so. It is difficult for me to think or say something about it. I have not talked with Fernando and do not really know what happened. When I talk to him I will tell you.
3. Congratulations Rafa for the clay season. Do you think there may be a 'new Soderling' this year? Who you see as a possible surprise? Carlos Perez (Leganés)
Thank you very much. I hope to continue. I do not know who could give a surprise. It is clear that tennis is very competitive and players are always out for surprises. Yes, many of these surprises are not so good for people in tennis.
4. Federer is number one ... Do you think that he is the favorite to win again at Roland Garros? Or the surface like clay is more for a specialist like you, Verdasco ...? Miriam Latorre (Alicante)
It iss clear that Roger is not the favorite one, it's between the two or three favorite. One only have to look at his record and see he has played.
5. Hi Rafa, good luck for this year to come back and win it. They say you've changed the strings of your racket ... how does it helped you? Is it that different? I think Almagro has also done the same and also achieved a great results. Thank you. Jorge Muñoz (Fuenlabrada)
Yes, I changed them earlier this year. It's more fine and helps me to give more depth to the ball on the court. I feel very comfortable with this new strings. Believe me that I feel good.
6. Good luck for Paris. Do you see possible of the number one for the end of the year? From now on one that has the most to lose is Federer, defending points. Hugo De la Peña (Guadarrama)
Thank you very much. For me the important thing is to play well in every tournament and give everything. I'm not fixated on numbers. Of course it is important and could be obtained again, but not my main concern or goal.
7. Hi Rafa, I guess you feel at home in Paris. This is already the sixth year and I hope there will be many more. Are you still visiting the same sites as the first year? I guess you always have customs when going to Roland Garros. which are? Good luck. Carlos Fernández (Avilés)
Yes, the truth is yes. I'm in the same hotel and almost had dinner at the same sites. I also continue with my 'Play' and my games after dinner (and before writing this blog ...). Believe me we do not have much time for more. Before I started the tournament itself, yes.
8. Good luck Rafa. I know that you like football a lot, how do you see the World cup? Do you think that we are have the best opportunity to win? Or will we pass it like always? Joaquín Reign (Luanco)
I really like football. I will continue to secure the World Cup. I'll try to watch almost every game. I think Spain have options. In fact today I did an interview about this and commented that we have a great team, with options. Then we'll see and you never know, but certainly we're there.
9. Gulbis's defeat in the first round was rather surprising to me ... More than anything in the way hr came or seemed to have. Was is the pressure of a Grand Slam, the mentality? What do you think? Carolina López
Yes, in first round was a surprise. He said he was somewhat bothered by an injury. I met him at a restaurant Wednesday night and he told me. I do not think it was pressure, rather a matter physical, an injury. I hope he recovers soon
10. Hola Rafa, what do you think about the change of the venue for Roland Garros? Do you think the court is outdated? Thanks and good luck for your fifth title. Juan Carlos Rodríguez
Prefer not to comment on this issue, but believe me I have my opinion. Thank you.
#2 Q & A
'Federer has made me a better player'
1. Have you noticed, like other players in this tournament balls weigh less than usual and there is less clay, conditions that make the courts faster? (Luis Garcia)
The truth is that I have found that the ball weighed more and it is true that the tracks are somewhat faster. But also because it was very hot and sunny and so the ball goes faster. Anyway Roland Garros courts were always something light.
2. Rafa, keep working hard and this year is yours. What opponent would rather not face up to the final? Would you give me one of the rackets you discard? I would be thrilled. Come on Rafa! (Marcos Moya)
What I prefer is to be in the final. That would be a good news for me. If I arrive there it wouldn't matter. I hope it happens. As for the racket, I always give them away as gifts, but I think it will be hard to bring you one.
3. This year you see more positive, This year gives the feeling that do not you seek to administer, seems as if played less and try to make the points shorter duration. Is it true?. Greetings. . (Armando Diaz)
For some time I've been doing it or at least trying to do it.
4. Hello Rafael, congratulations. In recent years, do you think you think you've better Federer and Federer bettered you as a player? Thanks and good luck.
Thank you very much. I sure have become better, absolutely sure. I do not know if also the opposite (for federer). But it is clear that he has improved over the years.
5. You said in your press conference you had trained two days on Center Court. You played your first match on another court. Do you notice differences? Does it affect your game? Thank you very much and good luck against Horacio Zeballos (Ana Ford Sanz) (My girl got her Q answered! YAY)
Yes, it's noticeable, but does not influence me so much for the Tuesday's match. It had played before there, so no problem. Thanks to you by the question
6. Hola Rafa. First of all, I totally agree with the decision you made to withdraw from the Conde de Godo. It is obvious, that being physically fit, you can achieve much more. From your point of view, what do you think is the most luxurious tennis tournament, with better facilities, more convenience, comfort? (Emmanuel Bulla, Córdoba).
There are many questions and statements in it. I always liked to play in Spain because it's my country, my home is always special. I also like a Monte Carlo tournament as I've said. But there are other tournaments that I love and are neither luxurious nor have the best facilities, etc.
7. I greet you from Venezuela, is a pleasure to watch you play every tournament with such enthusiasm. Who is the player who's most angry at the track? (María Reina)
Many thanks and I return you the greetings. I truly do not know to tell you one. There are several.
8. Congratulations on the extraordinary season that we're giving tennis fans and good luck. Will we see you in this year's RG official karaoke as we have seen already Tsonga, Murray and Soderling? We have not forgotten your version of La Bamba in 2007 ... (Ana T Pérez. Madrid)
Yes, I think I'm going to do, but I am convincing Marc Lopez to do it with me. If not, I'll do something, and is designed and intended. I do not think I'll do tomorrow because I'll finish later but if I continue I will on Friday.
9. Hello Rafa, congratulations for being who you are. Yesterday your, your forehand dropped short, what happened ? Although you left with a victory, I've seen a couple of matches on the clay that the FH fell short, and without force. Is it a problem in the placement of the legs? A big hug. (Juan Bustamante)
Thank you very much. That's right. I played bad and I would also like to know what happened
10. Congratulations on your season and thanks for the great moments you give us. It strikes me that you seem a quite attached to the traditions of the tennis. Why it is so important for you for it to be conserved?
Because tennis is also tradition and has many years of history. Change for me does not seem right. I like that tradition.
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